Make Waves: How to Have Safe Sex in a Bathtub

Table of Contents:

 

A smiling couple resting on the ledge of a bathtub

Key Takeaways:

  • Guarantee safe bathtub sex with silicone-based lube for smooth underwater flow. But avoid using silicone toys with this, since these two aren’t compatible.
  • It’s best not to use any bath oils or bubbles since those can wear down latex condoms. 
  • If condoms are in play, always put them on before going in the water.
  • Make things steamier with positions like reverse cowgirl and doggy style.

If you’re trying something new in bed, being unprepared could be a recipe for disaster. It might affect your chemistry, create an awkward vibe, or even compromise physical safety. But with something like bathtub sex, it’s crucial to cover all your bases and prepare both your body and your environment.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about having sex in a bathtub, from tips about positions you should try to the type of lube you should use.

What to Expect During Bathtub Sex

Bathtub sex might look effortless and sexy in romance books and movies. But who’s to say this fantasy can’t become reality for you? Setting realistic expectations and preparing with the right tools goes a long way towards making bathtub sex safer and more fun.

This checklist is a good jumping-off point if you’re feeling a little lost and need some direction.

  • Scrub Before You Soak: You wouldn’t get naked on dirty sheets or wear unwashed lingerie, right? So before having sex in a bathtub, give it a good scrub. Rinse away any chemicals or oils because they make things slippery or break down the latex in your condoms. Use a pH-balanced toy cleaner to prep your toys, too.
  • Survey Your Space: You might find it hard to enjoy your favorite sex positions if your bathtub ends up being too narrow. And if that is the case, things can get awkward in the heat of the moment. So avoid that by first checking if both of you fit in your tub comfortably.
  • Talk About Birth Control: It’s important not to just rely on condoms as your birth control method if you’re having sex in a bathtub. They might work, but to be on the safer side, discuss an alternative contraception method with your partner.

4 Tips for Steamy Bathtub Sex

A couple kissing in a bathtub
  • Soak-Proof Sex Toys

This goes without saying, but make sure that any waterproof vibrators or sex toys you’re using in a bathtub can handle soaking for long periods. Also, avoid using a silicone toy with silicone lube since they’re not compatible.

  • Use Silicone Lube

As counterintuitive as it might seem, water actually dries you out down there. So using a silicone-based lubricant will make penetration and stimulation feel a lot smoother and more comfortable for everyone involved.

  • Wear a Condom Before Water-Contact

Putting on a condom for sex might prove difficult once you’re in the bathtub, submerged in water. So slip it on with a water-based lube before coming in contact with water. Even then, be prepared with extras because there’s a chance of slippage or breaking. Or if you’re flexible, try using a different method of birth control.

  • Avoid Bath Oils & Scented Bubbles

The chances of vaginal or urinary tract infections run higher with sex in the bathtub than with shower sex. That’s because in a bathtub, bacteria can enter the urethra more easily. So while it might be tempting to add bubbles and bath oils to set the mood, that’s basically like ushering all those chemicals right up into your vagina. 

Once you’ve prepped for this new experience, it’s time to start thinking about positions for bathtub sex. 

Sex Positions to Steam Up Your Bathroom Mirror

  • Reverse Cowgirl

This classic position works best in a bathtub with one partner lying on their back and the other riding on top while facing the first partner’s feet.

  • Doggy Style

If you’re feeling adventurous, doggy style can be fun for bathtub sex. Just use the ledge of the bathtub for support and lay a rubber mat under your knees.

  • Tongue Tornado

You can also utilize the edge of the bathtub for the perfect oral pleasure session. Any partner can sit up on the ledge while the other uses their tongue on them.

Dos and Don’ts When Having Sex in a Bathtub

  • Avoid Candles Around the Splash Zone

They’re unsafe and easy to get overturned in the midst of the action. Instead, try using battery-powered lamps (cordless) with dimming lightbulbs to set the mood. But place these far away from the tub and on raised surfaces.

  • Avoid Bath Oils and Bubbles 

Not only are they putting you at risk for irritation and infections, but they might also cause slipperiness, which makes trying new positions in the bathtub dangerous. This increases the risk of injuries. But certain bath products can also break down latex in condoms or toys. So, avoiding them altogether is best.

  • Less Water, Less Cleanup

Movement and splashes are a given when you’re having sex in a bathtub. So fill the tub a little less than you would for a regular bath. This leaves room for two people to move about in the tub without making a mess.

  • Stick to Lukewarm Water

If your bathwater is too hot, it can cause dehydration or even dizziness. Soaking in hot water for longer periods also increases the risk of UTIs. So stick to lukewarm water.

Any new sexual experience has a learning curve. But these tips can help guide your experience with bathtub sex to make it a more comfortable and pleasurable one. 

FAQs

Is it important to clean my bathtub even after having sex in it?

Ideally, yes, if you follow the same line of reasoning when you wash your sheets after sex.

Do condoms work in the bath?

There is a chance that your condom might break, slide off, or loosen up. So make sure it’s not your only method of birth control when you’re having sex in a bathtub.

How can I avoid getting a UTI from bathtub sex?

A few things can help:

  • Make sure the water isn’t too hot 
  • Always pee after having sex
  • Don’t soak after climaxing
  • Dry off fully before wearing tight-fitting lingerie afterwards

Meet the Author

Dakota Lou

Dakota Lou is a creative storyteller with a knack for sparking connections and exploring new perspectives. As the leader of a sexual wellness business that celebrates inclusivity and creates products for every body, Dakota crafts an environment that inspires confidence and curiosity. When not creating compelling stories, they’re traveling the world, staying active, and enjoying life with their family, friends, and loyal canine sidekicks. Passionate about adventure in all its forms, Dakota brings energy and imagination to both work and play, embracing every moment as an opportunity to connect, grow, and discover something new.